A site plan approved by the Holland Planning Commission on Tuesday outlined the construction of two expansions to the plant, totaling 238,087 square feet — or about four football fields’ worth of space.

By STEPHEN KLOOSTERMAN

Holland Sentinel

By STEPHEN KLOOSTERMAN

Posted Apr. 24, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 24, 2012 at 9:05 PM

By STEPHEN KLOOSTERMAN

Posted Apr. 24, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 24, 2012 at 9:05 PM

Holland

Johnson Controls Inc. could expand its Meadowbrook battery plant in Holland by almost 240,000 square feet and 300 jobs.

A site plan unanimously approved by the Holland Planning Commission on Tuesday outlined the construction of two expansions to the plant, totaling 238,087 square feet — or about four football fields’ worth of space.

The expansion could mean the eventual creation of about 300 jobs, Johnson Controls representatives told the Planning Commission.

“Basically, it’s just an expansion of the existing operation,” said Johnson Controls Installation Manager Ken Layman.

Johnson Controls would have to meet a list of 15 conditions and secure zoning variances in order to start construction. Company representatives told commissioners they hoped to start construction within a year, though city planners had said during an earlier work session the company was looking to break ground as early as the middle of May.

“We hope the sooner, the better,” said Casey Kimes of Johnson Controls. Once construction is underway, the additions would take about a year to complete, he said.

If realized, the plans would more than double the size of the existing 185,000-square-foot Meadowbrook facility at 70 West 48th St., which manufactures lithium-ion batteries. Johnson Controls owns 36 acres at the site.

“We know they’re considering their options,” said Randy Thelen, president of the economic development group Lakeshore Advantage.

In an email, Johnson Controls spokeswoman Rebecca Fitzgerald said though plans aren’t set in stone, the company will continue to invest in manufacturing for advanced batteries.

“We will continue to make investments in technology and manufacturing to continue to grow our market presence,” she said. “We are in the process of evaluating market demand and product needs that would potentially drive additional square-footage beyond the Meadowbrook building.”

At 30,000 square feet, the smaller of the two additions would be 75 feet tall and used to prepare the chemicals for the batteries. The West Michigan Airport Authority recommended approval of the plan earlier this month.